Wallpaper update

Every few years I re-visit wallpaper – ah yes, good ole wallpaper. And every few years I say “Don’t do it”. Even though I maintain that as a recommendation, I am starting to see a crack in acceptability IF, and I mean IF, it is a new style. If it is an older style, keep scraping it off. I strongly caution you that most people in our region still do not like any wallpaper in the house at all, that includes me. But there are some out there that have not scrubbed off old shards of paper or realize how difficult stripping paper can be, plus of course the designers are always selling something new.

It seems that wallpaper is becoming somewhat popular in certain areas around the country. That alone would not faze me, as I have seen this trend continuously try to re-gain favor without success for 25 years. However, I have had a local designer this month say she is certain it is making its way to STL. I also have a young buyer who likes the look of certain wallpaper styles, this is what really caught my attention. The designer cautioned to stay with a small portion, such as a bathroom or 1 accent wall if you experiment. The buyer, too, felt that a small area would suit her better. Just remember that paper styles become dated faster than most other features of a home, if it had any significant appeal to begin with, as there are unlimited variations. Additionally, I may be suggesting that you remove it if you enlist me to sell your home.

When I visit newly renovated homes, builder display homes, and see photos on Houzz, they still are overwhelmingly painted wall surfaces only. I cannot stress this enough, that paint is still the way to go. I am only grudgingly admitting that there is a crack in the armor of the “No wallpaper” mantra that I have repeated for 25 years. Please ask me for an update in the future if you are considering doing this beyond a small portion, and I will post again on this in 2-3 years.

Happy stripping!

Appliance Colors

Kitchen appliance colors and styles change like everything else. When one goes kaput, you need to decide quickly what to replace it with. When you are renovating, you have a little more time and can match as desired. What will it be?

Silver stainless steel has been the number one choice for a good 10 years now, black 10 to 20 years ago, and white 20 to 35. The 70s colors speak for themselves! High end kitchen appliances have almost always had silver stainless or wood paneled fronts to match the cabinetry, or even brightly colored finishes. The last 3-5 years, however, has seen 2 noticeable trends: Ice (pure) white and black stainless (dark charcoal); with another – slate (lighter charcoal) – the latest challenger.

My experience in seeing many homes is that silver stainless is still the king; white never caught on (lots of white cabinets right now), plain black is fading unless it is high end and fits your scheme, and black stainless and slate are fighting to be the next long term trend. I believe silver stainless will retain a classic, high end look and stay around for years to come, and it goes with so many things. Matching cabinet panels come and go, right now more in than out *if your cabinets are more in than out*!

After checking with an appliance store and a new home sales center, they agree that silver stainless is still their number one seller, and white is the least. In between, it seems that slate is edging out black stainless and plain black is below those two.

If you are replacing just one appliance, it is easiest and safest to replace it with a similar color and model, although you should consider replacing it with the direction your kitchen is going, even if it is an obvious mismatch in the meantime, and you are not selling the house anytime soon. I have seen some different colors, brands, even styles that still look good overall, especially in the premium lines where different manufacturers specialize in separate components: Wolf and Thermador ranges, Subzero refrigeration, Bosch and Fisher Paykel dishwashers, Miele oven and dishwasher. Also consider repairing if it’s newer or you need just one more year out it before gutting the kitchen, or even finding a reliable used model. If replacing all items at once, Samsung, GE, Whirlpool, etc are marketing the four main appliances as a package deal that is worth exploring, but don’t hold yourself to that, it can pay off to shop around in price and quality.

Keep in mind when it comes time to sell, buyers notice your appliances instantly on photos before ever setting foot in your home. Many times, even if they work great, outdated appliances that stay with the home are worth replacing for resale value. The washer and dryer do not matter nearly as much, as almost all sellers take those with them, although I admit a new $2000 W/D set does make a home show better than an old, outdated set, like a type of staging, but certainly not worth purchasing just for selling purposes. As always, contact me if you want a professional opinion on this, I can review with you on the phone, view photos, or visit your home.

Happy shopping!